Muswellbrook Leads the Way in Innovation
BY JEM ANSHAW
There has been a lot of talk about the future of the Hunter region, and last week even the Prime Minster chimed in on the topic at the official opening of the Donald Horne Building.
In the heart of Muswellbrook, THE Donald Horne Building is home to an industrial prototyping hub The Melt and the STEM Innovation Lab which is focused on ensuring the next generation have access to the latest technology education.
“This building is a perfect encapsulation of Muswellbrook, it’s an act of respect for your heritage that simultaneously looks ahead to the future,” Prime Minster Anthony Albanese said at the opening.
“We are in what is by production, of course, Australia’s largest coal producing region, and one that has made so much possible for our nation, has brought wealth not just to this region, but to the entire country.
“But there are new opportunities on our doorstep that will, if we seize them, create economic growth, and secure jobs for decades to come.”
Mr Albanese described what Muswellbrook Shire Council have created as magnificent and leading the country.
Startups and scale up enterprises will be able to access a variety of state-of-the art equipment in The Melt to create prototypes with support from service providers across all aspects of operation.
In the STEM Innovation Lab students from, at this stage year five up, will be able to engage with innovation coordinator Matthew Leman for a range of fun and exciting educational opportunities.
Speaking with Denman Public School assistant principal Jake Sawyer while watching students work with programmable robots on a recent visit to the Donald Horne Building he shared they were in awe of the facilities.
“Downstairs is just mind blowing, the kids eyes were wide open during their tour while they had no idea what they were looking at, they just wanted to get in there, then when we come up here (to the STEM Innovation Lab), it’s just amazing for kids in our little school,” he shared.
“These kids don’t always have access to this sort of stuff and to just have a little taste is amazing, but I’d love to bring the whole class back here.”
Muswellbrook Shire Council are working on a community open day to be held in the future which will allow anyone who is interested in checking out the space to do just that.
